Pearse Doherty (Donegal South West, Sinn Fein)

I wish the Minister well in his further talks with the Commissioner and with the relevant EU officials. I support what he had to say and was impressed by it. I was taken by how strongly the Minister put his points across in respect of this matter. I am glad he will be meeting the Arranmore fishermen on Friday. He stated he does not wish to raise expectations. However, approximately €150,000 worth of fishing gear was destroyed. Some 15 fishermen - they represent the entire fishing fleet of the island - were affected. All of those 15 fishermen did not participate in the voluntary buy-out when the issue of salmon drift-netting was settled.

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